Cathedral of the Dormition (c.2007)

A quintet of elegant onion domes soar above the frescoed arches of the Cathedral of the Dormition. Located in the Moscow Kremlin's famed "Cathedral Square," it celebrates the Dormition of the Virgin Mary. Work on the cathedral was financed by Ivan I and began in 1326, inspired by St. Peter, Metropolitan of Moscow and the city's patron Saint. It was rebuilt twice in the 1470's, after the first attempt was toppled by a rare earthquake. The first Tsar, Ivan the Terrible, had his coronation in the cathedral, as did many other Russian Tsars and Emperors. In 1918, Lenin himself gave permission for a final Easter service at the Cathedral.

The scene is painted in a realistic manner, with flashes of gold foil and an enormous mother of pearl inlay shimmering. A pair of tiny figures stand before the cathedral's steps, awed by the life sized angels who welcome them from a shimmering archway. P. Balakirev pays great attention to detail, inviting the viewer again and again to delight in the scene. Almost as impressive as the drawing on top is the intricately designed gold and silver border on the sides. The box is made of high quality papier mache and is signed on the lid with the artist's name and village. There is a hinge on the left, and the interior is red lacquer. It rests on four legs. There are a few faint surface scratches to the lacquer, but these are only visible under close examination and do not compromise the integrity or beauty of the box. This impressive work would make for a magnificent collection highlight or centerpiece.

Lacquerbox Condition Ratings

Surface Condition (exterior)

Surface Condition (interior/bottom)

Box Materials and Soundness

Hinge and Lid Placement

Signature

Total Rating

Mother-of-pearl Condition

9.5

9.5

10.0

10.0

10.0

49

N/A

(Each category rated 1-10. For low scores, look for explanation in the description of box. In general, any total rating over 40 is excellent. For more information on rating system, click here.)